Despite initial reports indicating President Barack Obama would serve as the grand marshal of the Bud Billiken Parade, campaign officials said Wednesday he would not be able to make the event because of scheduling conflicts.

"... but the President will continue to be a strong supporter of the parade, and of its broader mission: placing a priority on education, supporting our children, and making sure they have the skills they need to achieve their goals," read a statement from the Obama for America campaign, which promised to have a strong presence at the back-to-school festivities.

In response, parade organizers said they were baffled because they were under the impression the campaign had little to do with Obama's scheduling.

Col. Eugene Scott, chairman of the parade and president of the organization that oversees the event, said he had gone through the White House to get the president on board.

"I'm at a loss for the campaign people to even enter the fray," Scott said.

The Aug. 11 parade would have paid homage to Obama's commitment to public education, but it was unclear on Wednesday if the theme would change.

Organizers had said the 83-year-old event hoped to draw as many as 2 million visitors – nearly double the normal amount -- mostly because of the president's participation.

They were also working with the Chicago Police Department and Secret Service to impose stricter restrictions along the near two-mile parade route.

Scott said he was disappointed by the changes, but had not yet talked with other parade organizers to confirm the news.

He said he was told earlier the president's schedule could change, but believed Obama would make the event.